NONPROFIT WORLD FUNDING ALERT
From The Society for Nonprofit Organizations
March 2004
Volume 10, Number 3

Nonprofit World Funding Alert is provided as a member service of and copyrighted by The Society for Nonprofit Organizations. It is not to be duplicated, in whole or in part, nor forwarded to others without written permission. Should others wish their own copies, they can be obtained by joining the Society. Visit us at www.snpo.org/join to do so.  

IN THIS ISSUE:

- PROFILE: NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

- GRANTMAKERS ANNOUNCE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

1. ANIMALS
2. ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE ARTS
3. CHILDREN
4. EDUCATION
5. GENERAL
6. HEALTH
7. JUSTICE
8. REGIONAL
9. RELIGION
10. SPORTS

- YOUR IDEAS WANTED!

- TIP: STEPS TO GRANT PROPOSAL PREPARATION

PROFILE: NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

The National Endowment for the Arts has posted FY 2005 guidelines for its Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) program. The new online-only GAP guidelines provide applicants with earlier access and a more flexible format. Applicants will request funding through the field or discipline of their projects: dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literature, local arts agencies, media arts (film/radio/television), museums, music, musical theater, opera, presenting, theater, visual arts, and multidisciplinary art forms. Each discipline offers funding in the following categories:

* Access to Artistic Excellence: grants of $5,000 to $150,000 to foster and preserve excellence in the arts and to provide access to the arts for all Americans.

* Challenge America Fast-Track Review: grants of $10,000 to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations.

* Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth: grants of $5,000 to $150,000 to advance learning in the arts for children and youth.

Complete guidelines and application procedures are available at the NEA Web site. Each program has its own deadlines. Contact: National Endowment for the Arts, Nancy Hanks Center, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington DC 20506-0001. Web site: www.arts.gov/grants/apply/GAP05/

1) ANIMALS

REGINA B. FRANKENBERG FOUNDATION. 07/01/04. The foundation supports organizations and programs that promote the care, conservation, treatment, well-being, and prevention of cruelty to animals. Efforts that protect endangered and threatened species by supporting conservation and research, as well as those that reduce the homelessness, mistreatment, and euthanasia of companion animals, are eligible for project, capital, and capacity-building support. Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000. Contact: Regina B. Frankenberg Foundation, c/o Monica J. Neal, Vice President, JPMorgan Private Bank, Global Foundations Group, 345 Park Ave., Fourth Floor, New York NY 10154. Web site: www.fdncenter.org/grantmaker/frankenberg/

2) ARCHAELOGY AND THE ARTS

DUMBARTON OAKS PROJECT GRANTS. 10/01/04. A limited number of grants assist with scholarly projects in Byzantine, Pre- Columbian, and Landscape Architecture studies. Eligible projects include nondestructive survey and/or excavation of a site or a component of a site, materials analysis of works of art and/or excavated materials, and systematic campaigns to survey or photograph monuments and objects that are at risk. At-risk objects include architecture, gardens, paintings, mosaics, and sculptures on site, as well as objects that have already been collected, but are largely unrecorded and in danger. Grants range from $3,000 to $10,000. Contact: Office of the Director, Dumbarton Oaks, 1703 32nd St., NW, Washington DC 20007. Ph: (202) 339-6401. Fax: (202) 339-6419. E-mail: DumbartonOaks@doaks.org Web site: www.doaks.org/project.html

3) CHILDREN

FUND FOR NONVIOLENCE. Open. The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Program is a current major funding focus. The program's mission is to foster social, cultural, and political change to prevent all forms of commercial sexual exploitation of children, including prostitution, survival sex, pornography, and trafficking for sexual purposes. Letters of inquiry are accepted at any time. Contact: Betsy Fairbanks, Executive Director, Fund for Nonviolence, PO Box 4208, Santa Cruz CA 95063. E-mail: mail@fundfornonviolence.org Web site: www.fundfornonviolence.org

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES. 05/01/04. The philanthropic arm of McDonald's Restaurants offers grants that support the health and well-being of children. Programs should address a significant funding gap or critical opportunity, have a long-term impact in terms of duplication or reach, and produce measurable results. National or international programs are especially encouraged. Grants range from $100 to $10 million. The board meets quarterly to review applications. Contact: Grants Department, Ronald McDonald House Charities, One Kroc Drive, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Ph: (630) 623-7048, Fax: (630) 623-7488. Web site: www.rmhc.org

4) EDUCATION

LONGVIEW FOUNDATION. 09/01/04. Grants fund education programs and projects that foster a global perspective and promote learning about world regions, cultures, international affairs, and global issues in K-12 and teacher education. Of particular interest are strategic activities that have the possibility of broad impact. Potential grantees are asked to contact the foundation before submitting a proposal. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. The foundation welcomes proposals sent electronically. Contact: Betsy Devlin-Foltz, Program Director, The Longview Foundation, 8639 B Sixteenth St., Box 211, Silver Spring MD 20910. Ph: (301) 681-0899. Fax: (301) 681-0925. E-mail: globaled@longviewfdn.org Web site: http://fdncenter.org/grantmaker/longview/guide.html

5) GENERAL

ABBOTT LABORATORIES FUND. Open. Grantmaking is targeted toward programs in health and welfare, education, culture, art, and civic and public policy. Most funding goes to health and welfare organizations, and to educational institutions whose programs and services have the potential to provide short- and long-term benefits to the health care industry and its employees. Civic and cultural funds are earmarked for programs that have unusual needs and are related to the company's overall interests and activities. The maximum grant is $5,000. An application is available online. Contact: Grants Administrator, Abbott Laboratories Fund, Abbott Park, Il. 60064. Ph: (847) 937-6100. Web site: www.abbott.com/citizenship/fund/fund.shtml

THE GLASER PROGRESS FOUNDATION. Open. By focusing on three complementary program areas (Measuring Progress, Animal Advocacy and Independent Media) the foundation aims to build a more just, sustainable and humane world. Application letters are accepted throughout the year and via e-mail. An application form is available online. Contact: Leslie McDonald, The Glaser Progress Foundation, PO Box 91123, Seattle WA 98111. Ph: (206) 728-1050. Fax: (206) 728-1123. E-mail: grants@glaserprogress.org Web site: www.glaserfoundation.org

LAWRENCE FOUNDATION. 08/01/04. The foundation makes charitable contributions and grants to support educational, environmental, health, and other causes, and disaster relief. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000. Letters of intent are due by the above deadline. Contact: Grants Administrator, Lawrence Foundation, 530 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 207, Santa Monica CA 90401. Ph: (310) 451-1567. E-mail: info@thelawrencefoundation.org Web site: www.thelawrencefoundation.org

HENRY LUCE FOUNDATION. Various. Funds are earmarked for projects in American art, higher education, public policy, and theology, specifically post-graduate theological education through American seminaries and divinity schools. No special application forms are required, although separate guidelines and deadlines exist for each program. The board meets four times a year. Contact: Program Officer, The Henry Luce Foundation, Inc., 111 W. 50th St., New York NY 10020. Ph: (212) 489-7700. Fax: (212) 581-9541. Web site: www.hluce.org

MAZDA FOUNDATION. 07/01/04. The Foundation awards grants for programs that promote education and literacy, environmental conservation, cross-cultural understanding, social welfare, and scientific research. Contact: Barbara Nocera, Program Director, Mazda Foundation, 1025 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 910, Washington DC 20036. Ph: (202) 467-5088. Fax: (202) 223-6490. Web site: www.mazdafoundation.org/grantguidelines.html

PROSPECT HILL FOUNDATION. Open. Funding interests include environmental conservation, nuclear weapons control, and reproductive health. Environmental support funding concentrates on habitat and water protection in the northeastern region of the United States. Nuclear Weapons Policy grants seek to limit the availability of, and reliance on, nuclear weapons, and to enhance the sensitivity of national leaders to the consequences of foreign policies dependent upon such weapons. Reproductive health grants support family planning services in Latin America. The foundation prefers project support over general support requests. Letters of inquiry are welcomed. The board of directors meets five times per year. Contact: Grants Administrator, The Prospect Hill Foundation, 99 Park Ave., Suite 2220, New York NY 10016-1601. Ph: (212) 370-1165. Web site: www.fdncenter.org/grantmaker/prospecthill

6) HEALTH

AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION. 07/09/04. The philanthropic arm of the American Dental Association has established a permanent endowment fund dedicated to the prevention of childhood cavities and to oral health maintenance for children. The Harris Fund will award competitive grants to applicants whose oral health promotion programs are designed to improve and maintain children's oral health through community education programs, especially those that help children whose socioeconomic status limits their access to professional oral care and adversely affects their oral health habits at home. The maximum grant is $5,000. Guidelines and applications can be found on the Web site. Contact: The American Dental Association Foundation, 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, Ph: (312) 440-2547 Fax: (312) 440-3526. E-mail: adaf@ada.org Web site: www.ada.org/ada/prod/adaf/programs.asp

7) JUSTICE

OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE. Open. The OSI's Criminal Justice Initiative seeks to reduce excessive incarceration and its consequences and to promote fair and equal treatment in all phases of the U.S. criminal justice system. It also seeks to redirect public focus and resources away from punishment toward long-term investment in individuals and communities and to encourage the successful reentry and reintegration of former prisoners through policies that foster public safety, respect human and civil rights, and promote responsible citizenship. The initiative encompasses the Gideon Project, the After Prison Initiative, the Community Advocacy Project, the Policy and Research Program, the Soros Justice Fellowships, and the Baltimore Criminal Justice Initiative. Guidelines and specific program contacts are available on the Web site. The institute prefers letters of inquiry. Contact: Criminal Justice Initiative, Open Society Institute, 400 W. 59th St., New York NY 10009. Fax: (212) 548-4666. E-mail: rbannon@sorosny.org Web site: www.opensocietyinstitute.com/crime/

8) REGIONAL

MARY DUKE BIDDLE FOUNDATION. Open. Grantmaking focuses on the arts and performing arts, community development, the disabled, secondary and higher education, and religion. Types of support include conferences and seminars, fellowships, matching/challenge grants, program development, scholarship fund, and seed money grants. There are no application forms. Grants are awarded three times a year. Applicants are asked to contact the office for deadline dates. New York and North Carolina organizations are eligible to apply for funding. Contact: Douglas Zinn, Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, 1044 W. Forest Hills Blvd., Durham NC 27707. Ph: (919) 493-5591.

DANA FOUNDATION. Open. The foundation offers one- and two-year grants of up to $75,000 for innovative professional development programs leading to improved teaching of the performing arts in public schools. The foundation supports projects that originate in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas within a 50-mile radius. Letters of intent requested. See the Web site for complete program guidelines and an online letter of intent form, as well as a range of resources related to arts programs for schools. Contact: Dana Foundation, 745 Fifth Ave., Suite 900, New York, NY 10151. E-mail: danainfo@dana.org Web site: www.dana.org/grants/artseducation/

GULFSTREAM ENVIRONMENTAL AND RECREATIONAL TRUST PROGRAM. 09/15/04. Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C., established this program to benefit the environment and communities along the company's Florida pipeline route. Proposals are considered for initiatives that benefit a community's environmental or recreational resources, enhance open space and park lands for passive recreational enjoyment, assist in the enhancement of wildlife habitat, or promote or enhance environmental education. Gulfstream will award a total of $50,000 in 2004. Special consideration will be given to proposals closest to the Gulfstream route. Application information is available on the Web site. Contact: Al Taylor, Gulfstream Natural Gas System, 1905 Intermodal Circle, Suite 310, Palmetto, FL 34221. Web site: www.gulfstreamgas.com/gert_grant.htm

THE HUMANA FOUNDATION. 10/15/04. The foundation supports organizations that improve the quality of life in communities where Humana has a business presence. Of particular interest are programs in domestic and international health care, education, and civic and cultural development. Organizations in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, Kentucky, Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas, and Wisconsin are eligible to apply. Contact: The Humana Foundation, 500 W. Main St., Louisville KY 40202. Ph: (502) 580-3613. E-mail: BWright@Humana.com Web site: www.humanafoundation.org

9) RELIGION

ARTHUR VINING DAVIS FOUNDATION. Open. The primary focus of the foundation's religion grants is graduate theological education. Support is given to those schools or seminaries that are fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, produce persons prepared for ordination to pastoral or pulpit ministry, are known for academic excellence, and have solid records of continued alumni/trustee support and institutional financial stability. All denominations are eligible. Proposals from recognized consortia representing several seminaries will also be considered as will joint proposals from two or more seminaries sharing programs or facilities. Grants range from $100,000 to $150,000. Contact: Dr. Jonathan T. Howe, Executive Director, Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, 225 Water St., Suite 1510, Jacksonville FL, 32202-5185. Ph: (904) 359-0670. E-mail: arthurvining@bellsouth.net Web site: www.jvm.com/davis/PROGRAMS.HTM#religion

PARKER FOUNDATION. Open. Funds are targeted toward projects in evangelism and church planting, leadership development, theological education, relief and development, publishing, children and youth, and public persuasion. The foundation seeks projects that are complementary to existing indigenous institutions and people, and contextual in the sense that the methods employed are culturally sensitive to the people being served. Projects should also mobilize resources beyond those of the organization and Parker Foundation, and be scalable, replicable, planned, and original. The foundation encourages potential applicants to call before applying for a grant. Contact: Mac Myers, Parker Foundation, 500 Forest Ave., Richmond VA 23229. Ph: (804) 285-5416. Fax: (804) 285-5450. E-mail: mmyers@parkerfoundation.org Web site: www.parkerfoundation.org

10) SPORTS

BASEBALL TOMORROW FUND. 07/01/04. This joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association offers grants to organizations involved in youth baseball and softball programs. Of particular interest are projects that help increase the number of youth participating in baseball and softball programs; improve the quality of youth baseball and softball programs, create new or innovative ways of expanding and improving baseball or softball programs, generate matching funds for programs, address programs for children ages 10-16, support existing programs that have demonstrated success in providing a quality baseball/softball experience for youth, and address opportunities for minorities and women. A brief letter of inquiry is requested. Contact: Baseball Tomorrow Fund, 245 Park Ave., New York NY 10167. Web site: http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/official_info/mlb_official_community_bbtomorrow.jsp?feature=grant_process

WOMEN'S SPORTS FOUNDATION. Open. The Homophobia in Sport Project Grant program supports research, community outreach, and educational programs addressing the issue of homophobia and other barriers to women's participation in sports. Researchers as well as local, regional, or direct-action outreach organizations committed to providing opportunities to girls and women in sports and fitness are eligible to apply. Currently funds are only being administered to meet the needs of individuals and/or organizations addressing homophobia-related issues requiring immediate action such as employment, community health and safety, etc. The maximum grant is $5,000. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis in 2004. Contact: Senior Programs Manager, Women's Sports Foundation, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow NY 11554. Ph: (800) 227-3988. E-mail: wosportag@aol.com Web site: www.womenssportsfoundation.org/cgi-bin/iowa/funding/featured.html?record=19

YOUR IDEAS WANTED!

We're always seeking new fundraising tips (see next story). Share what you've learned about soliciting grants, planning events, or raising funds in other ways. Let your nonprofit colleagues know how well your development program has succeeded, while mentoring other development professionals.

Send your ideas to: Doris Green, Editor, at green@merr.com.  Then, look for your good ideas to appear in future issues.

TIP: STEPS TO GRANT PROPOSAL PREPARATION

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting offers the following seven steps for preparing your grant proposal. The more time spent on these seven steps, the easier the proposal writing stage will be.

1. Define your project
* Write a mission statement outlining your purpose.
* Define the scope of your project to narrow your funding search.
* Determine the project's goals and specific objectives that will help you meet those goals.
* Identify the audience your project will serve.
* Draft expected project outcomes in measurable terms.
* Create a timetable that includes the planning phase, the amount of time invested in searching for funds, proposal writing, and the intended project start date.

2. Find the right funding sources
* Don't limit your funding search to one source.
* Look for a match between your project and the grants you seek by identifying consistencies between your project's purpose and goals and the priorities and preferences of the funder.
* Request proposal guidelines and a list of projects previously funded that are the best matches to your project.
* Ask about the maximum amount of money available. Find out the average size and funding range of awards. Check whether there's a funding floor or ceiling.

3. Contact the funders
* Identify a project officer who will address your questions.
* If the funder offers technical assistance, ask for it.
* Ask how proposals are reviewed and decisions are made.
* Ask about budgetary requirements and preferences. Are matching funds required? Are in-kind gifts acceptable as a portion of the applicant's share?

4. Acquire proposal guidelines
* Read the guidelines and then re-read them.
* Ask the funder to clarify your questions.

5. Know the submission deadline
* Plan to submit your proposal on or preferably before the deadline.
* Be realistic about the time remaining to prepare a competitive proposal.
* Know the funder's policies on late submissions, exceptions, and mail delays.
* Ask how you will be notified about the receipt and status of your proposal.

6. Determine personnel needs
*Personnel compensation is a crucial component to the budget.

7. Update your timeline

Source: Corporation for Public Broadcasting: www.cpb.org/grants/grantwriting.html